Briton Lucy Holt finally to get Bangladesh citizenship

Lucy Helen Francis Halt

Bangladesh government has decided to grant citizenship to Lucy Holt, a British national who has been living in the country for the past 57 years.

The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting on Monday, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Barisal Md Habibur Rahman, who sent a petition recommending her citizenship.

"Lucy Holt will soon get her papers as the authorities have decided to grant her citizenship," Habibur said.

The 87-year-old was earlier granted 'super visa' with 15 years of multiple entries following a report by the bdnews24.com highlighting her craving for Bangladesh citizenship as she has spent the best years of her life here serving the communities.

Holt received her multiple-entry gratis visa from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Feb 8 at a public rally at the Bangabandhu Udyan in Barisal.

At that time, Hasina assured her that the authorities would look into her application for citizenship.

Within four days of that assurance, the authorities decided on the matter at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the home ministry.